Reviews

Somehow this might make you cry

I am a fan of the director and find most of his works veer into utter insanity. There's always a mix of humor, sadness and general chills. It's one of the better attributes of this director. You know you are about to watch something silly as hell when you watch his movies.

I found that the overall story in this was like 3 different parts. One was a haunted house horror movie, then a Shonen protagonist training montage and then family drama. I was in awe of how it transitioned. It definitely will be for a very niche crowd as it has tons of faults. However, if you just allow yourself to walk into this script you may find it has some good points.

The overall acting is kinda terrible. There were only a few good moments, which when they hit, they were strong. The quickness and dispatching of characters is crazy. It will surprise a lot of people. It is gory but not over the top. What will really set you off however is the reveal of why Sayuri is the way she is. Heavy warning and spoilers but there is SA of a minor in this story. It will be hard to watch even though this movie up until that point was somewhat hysterical.

This is why I said it might make you cry because the ending actually somehow made me tear up because of the wrong doings to Sayuri. The tonal whiplash is also a signature of this director. You may also come to the conclusion that he may not be that grounded himself but that's sort of why I adore his movies.

Which was surprising but understandable. But just like prior movies like OCCULT and SHIROME they tend to force you into all sorts of absurd emotions.
The music also was somewhat hilarious, swinging from Horror to Battle Anime to Sad depression. The ending theme really got me after everything was said and done. The final few scenes are actually really sweet and well shot. I thought overall the movie was well shot. It had just a little bit of everything for trickery to make you feel tense. I particularly enjoyed the flickering light sequences. There's some really pretty golden time shots in this movie. It seemed to be it's signature oddly enough.

I say give it a chance but only if you can get pass the SA and overall sporadic nature of the movie.

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HOW COULD YOU, I mean why, why would you do this to me. Their chemistry is just so utterly beautiful. The way they portray and picture such beautiful and talented actors pursuing what needed to give is so special to me.

this move got me all smiling and giggling like i would have the opportunity to acquire the passionate love storying. which this move had given me the thought of the idea of something I most desperately desire.

This Movie has truly made me crying full onrivers, repeatingly provocatively stupid. Because I hate showing this side of me, processing & showcasing the adversity and vulnerability of my weakness

THIS COULD’VE ENDED DIFFERENTLY GIJGKGKGKHKGKG

this move would’ve had so much potential to bring a perfect high school romcom (not saying that it’s not💔)

I hated how movie producers would quit separating two obsessive and lovable teenage high schoolers. everything is visually astonishing
The acting is pure and well proficient, the acting is very good which i can’t get mad. + kim yoojung is the it girl in the making i'll definitely tune in for her next hit drama and also hi miss han hyojoo we forever will be missed, truly.

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"An old shirt belonging to our son who is away; my wife washes it and hands it to me to wear."

Ballad of a Workman aka Ballad of a Worker was a loving ode to parents who sacrificed for their children to have better lives. Time jumps were often accompanied by stoic ballads and haikus. The film also showed the struggle many people faced as Japan rebuilt their economy after WWII.

Our story starts in 1946 when Yoshio returns home from the war, welcomed by his wife and son who had feared he was dead. Torako had moved to the countryside as the bombings devastated Tokyo. The only job Yoshio can find is working on the roads. As the years pass and he is promoted, Torako is paid to do housekeeping for the workers’ center. They don’t earn much but make sure that their son Toshiyuki is educated. When Toshiyuki leaves for Kyoto to attend college, the little family is hit hard by the burden of their poverty.

This film showed the progress of the Nonaka family from 1946-1962. Yoshio had to slowly learn to deal with his miserable job in ways other than drinking. Torako was the rock of the family, the one person who held things together. She worked a demanding physical job in addition to her own household duties but never complained or drank herself to sleep. Takamine Hideko and Sada Keiji were a great duo for the roles of hard-working parents. Toshiyuki dealt with stressors in Kyoto that his less educated parents could scarcely imagine. Yamamoto Toyozo may have been less experienced yet he still managed to convey Toshiyuki’s stress of being his parents’ great hope and reason for living.

The drawbacks to the yearly time jumps with accompanying heavy-handed ballads was that I felt like I missed out on more of the day-to-day lives of the family. They often bounced from one crisis to the next. Despite the family’s troubles, the parents kept moving forward refusing to be dragged down by their privation. Their quiet dignity was moving, even when they hesitated to accompany Toshiyuki to his new school for fear of embarrassing him. The son’s growth and learning to accept them as they were was also quite heartwarming.

Ballad of a Workman could have done with less ballad and more tender moments between Yoshio and Torako. The film showed that the job of parenting is never done. Even after children grow up, there is always something to worry about and plan for. What could have been an overly melodramatic story ended up being a heartfelt slice of life about a family with a dream for their son to have a better life.

“Together we’ve walked through the years. In times of laughter and tears. Our hands are roughened but you and I. We shall walk, foraging ahead with smiles.”

15 June 2025

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Funny movie which will pull at your heartstrings

This movie is popular for being a turning point in Korean Cinema, changing the usually "submissive" role of the female lead. Though I love that it challenged women's typical roles in movies, the behaviors the female lead exhibited throughout the movie would definitely be described as "abusive" instead of "quirky" by today's standards if the gender roles were reversed.

The movie hits the typical rom-com checklist, providing laughs from physical comedy and hilarious situations, yet pulling at your heart-strings at the same time. It was funny and I would recommend to someone specifically in the mood for an early 2000s romantic comedy.

Overall rating: 3.5/5
Quality: 3/5
Enjoyability: 4/5

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Internationally renowned for a reason

Whenever I mention that I enjoy Korean cinema, "Parasite" is usually the first movie people will bring up. Its popular reputation even amongst people who do not usually watch Korean movies is well-earned.

The movie brings thrillers and black comedies to another level by not relying on cheap jump scares, but rather by creating a too realistic and uncomfortable atmosphere which the viewer cannot escape. The many twists and turns and different use of symbolism to provides social commentary throughout the movie had me continuing to think about the movie after I was finished watching it. Which to me is the mark of a successful psychological thriller.

What I loved about this movie is that it is very impactful during the first watch, but also made me want to do some more research afterwards to look into the details and symbolism which I may have missed. This is a great movie to introduce people to Korean Cinema, and its subtle details and various easter eggs provides great rewatchability.

Overall rating: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Enjoyment: 5/5

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Great Watch for Classic Korean Movie Fans

This is the first movie my K-Cinema teacher showed our class in 2022. Learning that this was the first Korean film to win an international award made me curious from the start. I was amazed by a lot of the traditional elements in the movie; from the costumes to the sets. It is a rather simple plot, however the comedic elements added a nice balance to the dramatic aspect of the film and made for a fun watch.
Though this is not the type of movie I would rewatch for fun on my own, I would recommend for any fans of classic Korean movies.
Rating: 3.5/5 (Quality: 4/5, Enjoyment: 3/5)

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"Blood flew!"

Assassination aka Assassin was a film by Shinoda Masahiro about the real life enigmatic ronin, Kiyokawa Hachiro. This is important to know because I was off balance for much of the film not realizing I was dealing with an historical figure who wasn’t nearly as clever as he believed himself to be. I kept waiting for the typical enigmatic ronin who knows how to strategize and despite a crusty exterior has a heart of if not gold, silver. That would not describe this shady and at times, cowardly and duplicitous character.

It's 1853 and the Shogunate is in its waning years while the Imperial Court is ascending. Conflict between the two for power is thrown into turmoil when Admiral Perry and his four warships anchor in the harbor. Both sides struggled with how to deal with the foreigners---make a deal or attempt to slaughter the better armed enemy. Men working for the Shogunate decide to hire Kiyokawa Hachiro to train men to do their bidding. He’s been attached to Imperial ronin, but after murdering someone seems to be willing to change loyalties. Hachiro is a well-educated, low class ronin that the elite samurai hate. He goes beyond the fifty ronin he’s ordered to hire and gathers several hundred ronin instead. Whether he delivers them to the Shogun remains to be seen.

Any film that has 2 ½ minutes of prologue and takes nearly 15 minutes to introduce characters is setting the viewer up for confusion. There were numerous major and very minor players that popped in and out of the film like a popcorn machine gone awry. Flashbacks and flashforwards were not well advertised meaning it was difficult to know what order the events took place in. Hachiro was a schemer who betrayed friend and foe alike. He was also not nearly the genius strategiser he thought he was. When he created a dangerous situation through his impulsive actions, he left those who were devoted to him behind to take the fall. He also seemed to take delight in raping a woman. I kept waiting for him to be redeemed or to be smarter than he seemed, but that was not the case.

Even with a despicable protagonist, I could still enjoy a well-made film. The constant skipping around in time, confusing parade of characters, inability to lay out a clear-cut plot, and a lead whose motivation for vile actions was never revealed made this film barely watchable for me. If I had been familiar with Kiyokawa Hachiro perhaps this film wouldn’t have been as frustrating, so those who are may find it far more enjoyable than I did.

15 June 2025

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Every day with you

Very nice. This movie fulfilled my craving for romantic stories I didn’t even know I had. The opening scene led us to expect a miracle—and that’s exactly what we got: a beautiful, heartwarming story that connects two young people in an extraordinary way, through music.

The production quality is excellent. The actors were good, though all except the main protagonists felt more or less like shadows in the background. The heart of the film lies in the miracle of love—a love that seems impossible, yet longs to share every day and every moment with the beloved. This is a movie for people of faith, for those who dare to believe. It truly warmed my heart while also entertaining me with lovely pieces of music.

In short: this is a classic Korean romantic movie with a somewhat original twist. The description says it's a remake of a Taiwanese film, which was already remade in Japan last year. I wonder which version is the best—Taiwanese, Japanese, or Korean? And who knows, maybe Hollywood will make its own version in the future as well.

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Social class, status, dreams, and opportunities.

Though the idea might not be groundbreaking, "Flat Girls" stands out as a solid depiction of the harsh realities faced by teenagers in a flat society marred by financial struggles and oppression. The backdrop of this film is a life marked by inequality, economic instability, societal expectations, and prejudices. Here, survival is not guaranteed, and success is a fleeting dream for many. 

A remarkable aspect of "Flat Girls" is the meticulous attention to detail in crafting the film's environment and atmosphere. Big credit should be given to Claire Jirassaya as the director for the outstanding production quality, sharp camerawork, and direction. The visual storytelling alone is already engaging. In my opinion, this film's editing and sound mixing really help in making it a well-structured one - it's not too simple or too complex. And there's almost no need for extravagant props and set design too. The flat itself has become a key representation of the lifestyles of middle- to lower-class people in society.

While this film may be slow-paced, the strong script that raises important questions about inequality in Thai society definitely compensates for it. The film's satirical tone is used effectively to criticize the Thai bureaucracy and shed light on the struggles faced by those on the lower rungs of the social ladder.

Another point for the director as she shows a remarkable talent for bringing out the best in the actors. EarnEarn Fatima and Fairy Kirana successfully carried the entire film on their shoulders. Despite being relatively new to the industry, both lead actresses deliver powerful and effortless performances that add significant depth and nuance to their characters.

Instead of focusing on sapphic romance and cute moments, the film excels at illuminating the stark truths embedded in the system and society. If you're looking for a film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll, "Flat Girls" is definitely worth a watch.

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Decoded: A Slow-Burn Spy Drama with Stunning Visuals

"Decoded" (2024) is a IMAX visually rich Chinese period drama that blends espionage, war, and personal struggle. Directed by Chen Sicheng and adapted from Mai Jia's novel, the film stars Liu Haoran as Rong Jinzhen, a socially withdrawn math prodigy recruited during the WWII era to break complex enemy codes. Set in the shadowy world of spies and cipher warfare, the film unfolds with a sense of slow-burning tension and intellectual curiosity.

The story dives into the world of cryptography, centered around Rong, an autistic genius drawn into the top-secret world of Unit 701. Tasked with decoding the infamous "Purple Cipher" and later the "Black Cipher," Rong finds himself entangled in national security matters with global stakes. Supporting performances from actors like John Cusack and Daniel Wu add depth and international flair, while the backdrop of the Cold War and shifting alliances raises the stakes dramatically.

Liu Haoran gives a performance that’s soft-spoken but emotionally charged. He captures Rong’s inner world—his social struggles, his brilliance, and his vulnerability—through gentle gestures, whispered lines, and minimal eye contact. Reviewers note that this is one of Liu’s most challenging roles, and while not flashy, it’s a deeply human portrayal that resonates with viewers who appreciate subtlety.

That said, Liu’s performance has drawn mixed reactions. While some critics felt he nailed the character's complexity, others believed he was overshadowed by the more expressive and charismatic John Cusack. Still, Liu’s restrained style, reminiscent of Russell Crowe in "A Beautiful Mind", gives Rong Jinzhen a quiet power that slowly grows on the audience.

The makeup and production design play a key role in grounding the film in its historical setting. Overseen by Li Zhou and Han Zhong, the visual style avoids cliché period looks and instead opts for realism that doesn’t distract from the story. Everything from age makeup to costume design feels intentionally subtle, helping viewers stay immersed in the timeline that spans the 1940s to 1960s.

Critically, "Decoded" received mixed but mostly respectable reviews. IMDb users gave it a 5.7/10, pointing to pacing issues, especially in the second half. However, many praised the visuals, the performance of the lead actors, and the immersive production design. Some thought it aimed too high, comparing it to "Oppenheimer" or "The Imitation Game", but felt it fell short in narrative focus.

Despite its flaws, the film stands out for its ambition and emotional core. Reviewers like Sino-Cinema appreciated its intellectual depth and compelling character moments, particularly the mentor-student bond and Rong’s personal evolution. While it might not be a box office juggernaut, its RMB334 million gross shows decent audience interest.

In conclusion, "Decoded" is a thoughtful, slow-burning drama that rewards patient viewers. With Liu Haoran’s nuanced lead, immersive visuals, and a touch of philosophical weight, it's a worthy watch for fans of spy thrillers and period dramas. Just don’t expect nonstop action—this one’s more about inner battles than gunfire.

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Pleasantly Surprised! Evoked a Range of Emotions, Worthy of Writing a Review.

This movie had been in my watchlist for a while because of the average user rating. However, it turned out to be a surprisingly good film with a great female lead character and a heartwarming, seemingly realistic, plot. Emotionally I was left with a mix of feelings ranging from a warm, reassuring, confidence in human nature…to a sorrowful empathy for both main characters. It’s one of those movies where after the end I found myself wrestling with these mix of emotions, and found that the best way to do that was to put it into words here…

It may not be for everyone, but if you’re a fan of Independent style movies, then this one is definitely worth watching.

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